Happy Wednesday! Before I begin on my topic for this weeks post I want to share some exciting news. I’m sure you already follow the wonderful blog, Design Chic (authored by mother and daughter talents Beth (mom) and Kristy (daughter)) which provides us with fabulous design and fashion features each week. Kristy is publishing her first novel next week. I was privileged to get an advanced copy, and I’ll be sharing my enthusiasm for the book on next week’s post, but I wanted to give you the advanced link to order, Dear Carolina.
The colors blue and white are classics where home decor is concerned. There is no shortage of this color combination featured on blog sites, in magazines and books. I’ve talked about my love of the fusion of the the pairing at least four times on Garden, Home and Party, [1, 2, 3, 4} and since repetition seems to be a curse in the blog world, I’m going for it once more.
Blue is an alluring color even when the focus isn’t on home decorating.
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Have any of you grown blue tulips? Are they truly this blue?
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So buckle up…let’s look at a few rooms I’ve recently found online, starring the one and only blue and white.
{Instagram: juliocesarlimaudia}
This bedroom almost looks like a painting to me…its so perfectly inviting.
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{our mantle}
Oh, for this view. It’s even relaxing for the dog—nap time?
{TraditionalHome-Eliza Gatfield’s Oyster Bay Home}
Do you have any blue and white in your home’s decor?
Garden, Home & Party 
Anita Rivera said:
Good morning Karen!
I remember having a lovely comment exchange with the author of Design Chic and she had indicated that she was authoring a book, a REAL BOOK! How exciting! I must go visit her…
And for blue? My favorite accent color. In my home, it’s all white and gray and natural tones, but for the spring and summer season, I only add a little color for accent, and for sure it’s blue because of its calming and refreshing tones. Oh those blueberries here that you share!
Enjoy your spring and I just love your header! Anita
Karen B. said:
Anita, Like you, I like a neutral palate where one can add color as the seasons change. I find different times of year, different colors appeal to me. Thank for your visits, I always enjoy our conversations! 🙂 Kristy and her mom, Beth, are so talented. But wow, what talent to be published! How is your work coming along? I miss your monthly contribution to the world of art. You are so amazing. I hope your week is going well. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 3:22 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karena said:
Karen, I am so excited for Kristy, I know her book will be a huge success! The blues I can never say enough about how much I adore this color of every pretty palette.
Blue tulips, now on my list!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Giveaway from The Enchanted Home!
Karen B. said:
Karena, It’s it fun when a “blog friend” has such great news! I’ve made a note to watch for blue tulips when the catalog comes out later this year. 🙂 Enjoy your week. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 6:05 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
I just love the fresh look of blue and white, Karen! These colors always take me back to the kitchen of a dear neighbor. She was a sweet, charming British woman with the most cheery, welcoming blue and white kitchen. Every single time I see blue and white, I think of sweet Mavis! Colors have such powerful, emotional connections! Hope you are having a wonderful week, Karen! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, I’m surprised I don’t have more blue and white in my own home, knowing what a happy color combination it is. I agree, colors have a very powerful way of taking us back to a lovely memory, much like scent and music. Have a lovely rest of your week. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 7:10 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Good Morning Karen, I am almost finished with Dear Carolina .. it’s a wonderful novel and a perfect Mother’s Day gift.
I am a huge blue and white fan:) LOVE your photos and thanks for adding one of mine to the list! That photo was taken in our prior home ~ almost 2 years ago.. wow, seems like a life-time ago.
Hopefully you have something fun planned for today and are enjoying the spring sunshine:)
Karen B. said:
Hi Leslie, I love your style. Your previous home was lovely and the same attention to detail fills your new home. Blue and white touches always draw my attention! We are having summer like temperatures, would you like some? I can box it up and send it! 🙂 I’m so happy for Kristy, she’s such a sweet and talented friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 8:21 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Hi Karen, Keep doing blue & white posts- they’re gorgeous! I only have a few pieces that I bring out seasonally, and I especially love them in the summer. (I’d say our weather now qualifies for summer, wouldn’t you?)
I’m so excited for Kristy, and I’m glad she’s mailing signed copies. Soon we’ll be able to say “we knew her when”. 🙂
Karen B. said:
Vicki, That was just what I said to Kristy, “we’ll be able to say we knew this famous novelist when she only had a blog!” 🙂
Yes, this weather definitely feels like summer. Ugh. I’m offering it to the east coast for them to save for the winter months and there’s been a few fellow bloggers that have offered to send some of their rain water our way! Stay cool, my friend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 11:43 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Tone on Tone said:
Your mantel looks gorgeous decorated in blue! I want blue tulips – where can I find some?? By the way, have you seen blue orchids? I saw them at the florist – think they were injected with dye. Cheers
Karen B. said:
Loi, I’m checking out the bulb catalog this fall for blue tulips…I’d like mine to be blue and white parrot tulips. Do you think they have them?! 🙂 I’ve seen the orchids that are clearly injected with dye. The jury is out on whether I like that or not. It’s a little too reminiscent of the carnations they injected with dye and then, as if that wasn’t an abomination, they sprinkled them with glitter! Ouch. Thanks for your kind words about my mantle. By the way, summer temperatures are scorching SoCal right now, want a box of sunshine for DC? 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 12:35 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
You know how much I love blue so this post was very timely. Loved all the pretty rooms, especially the bedroom with the little day bed. Fantastic! Thanks for another heart-warming post.
Karen B. said:
Linda, I do love blue and white although you’d never know it for positive since I only have one blue and white room and a few accent pieces. But the color combination does make me happy. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 1:42 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
“since repetition seems to be a curse in the blog world, I’m going for it once more.”
I actually laughed out loud.
speaking of curses in the blog world– spraypaint… that will turn any flower blue! Also you could do a DIY post about it and make a text-annotated pin to tell other people how they TOO can spraypaint their flowers.
You’re welcome!
Karen B. said:
Wisdom from the master! What about the turquoise carnations with glitter, I could provide a diy for that topic. I’ve officially taken myself out of the DIY realm, leaving it to those that are gifted with both ideas and know-how. 🙂 xo
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 2:09 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Jeannine said:
Nothing better than blue and white. I have a blue and white bathroom and I’m currently working on a blue and white quilt for my bed. The doors to my house are blue as well. Blue has always been my favorite color. When I was a child I thought everyone’s favorite color was blue – how could it not be as it’s clearly the best color, at least that’s what I thought 🙂
Karen B. said:
Jeannine, That is hilarious. I too have always liked blue—back in the day of horoscopes I read that my birth sign’s favorite color is blue. I love that you, as a little girl, thought it must be every person’s favorite! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 29, 2015 at 4:43 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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kristywharvey said:
KAREN! My comment yesterday must not have posted!! Thank you SO MUCH for including Dear Carolina in this gorgeous, gorgeous post. I, of course, simply adore blue and white, especially if it is of the Carolina TarHeel variety! Much love to you, my sweet friend! Thanks for including me in all of this loveliness!
Karen B. said:
Kristy, You are going to be busy and have such a rewarding upcoming month (or more). You do not have to reply to any of my posts until things settle down for you—with your second novel around the corner you may be busy for the next year. Still, I have my post / review of your book scheduled on May 6th. I’ve marked my calendar to publish a review on Amazon on the 5th.
Have fun, my friend and savor every exciting tid bit. You’ll have some fun stories to share later. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 30, 2015 at 7:49 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Ah, the color blue. Certainly a classic, and one that my mother employed often in decorating our house in England. I saw so much of it though, that I’ve shied away from using it in my own home here in California. I do appreciate it in others’ homes though and it is a color that will never age.
Karen B. said:
CD, I completely understand. I feel that way about green. When we were first married I decorated in hunter green. I loved it for years, and still appreciate its beauty in other’s homes. I’ve only returned recently to my love of blue and white, but even now, I add touches but consider it more of an accent. It’s a color that makes me happy! Have a wonderful weekend. Karen
On Fri, May 1, 2015 at 10:36 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
Karen, what a beautiful post…I loved dear Carolina…it was a beautiful story..
Karen B. said:
Julie, I really loved Kristy’s book too! I really enjoyed her descriptions of North Carolina, a state I’ve always thought would be a place I’d like to visit. I’m so happy for Kristy and thrilled I was included on a preview of the book. xo, Karen
On Sun, May 3, 2015 at 8:57 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Sharon @ Roses and Rust said:
What a beautiful collection of blue and white pictures. You really can’t go wrong with that combination – so timeless. Kristy also sent me a copy of her book. I am saving it for my longhaul flight coming soon – something to look forward to! xx
Karen B. said:
Sharon, You’re in for a treat, her book is very entertaining. Blue and white is always appealing to me. I know it must be a lot of folks favorite color combo. xo, Karen
On Sun, May 3, 2015 at 11:40 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Elizabeth said:
Karen, I am so excited for Kristy. I too was mailed and advanced copy and I could not put it down.
Blue and white is such a classic and beautiful way to decorate. I love to see all of the combinations.
Karen B. said:
Hi Elizabeth, Isn’t this a fun sorority? The blog world is filled with such talented people and we all get to share the joy when one of our *”sisters”* has a great success. Thank you for stopping by. [?] xo, Karen
On Mon, May 4, 2015 at 5:28 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
I didn’t realize that our shared birth sign says that we favor blue. That explains my life long need to surround myself with that color. It has always had a calming effect on me (something you know I need!)
I can’t wait to read Dear Carolina!
I loved the quote from William Morris. That’s what I aspire to!
Karen B. said:
I think you, Linda and me all love our birth color. Coincidence? I think not. 😀 Xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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